SCAN: ER stress in the fly´s eye

Abstract

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the cell organelle where secretory and membrane proteins are synthesized and folded. The presence of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the ER causes stress to the cell (“ER stress”) and activates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), a cellular response to restore homeostasis in the ER. The presence of misfolded proteins and activation of the UPR have been associated with many diseases and pathological conditions. We have established that, in Drosophila, an important component of the UPR, the IRE1/Xbp1 signaling pathway, acts as a protector signal against retinal degeneration caused by the presence of misfolded mutant Rhodopsin 1 in the ER of photoreceptors. Here, we will present our current and future plans to identify additional protector genes acting downstream to the IRE1/Xbp1 signaling pathway, by using screening strategies in the Drosophila eye.